It is no big secret that the construction industry is dangerous. There is a high risk for accidents among workers, and injuries at construction sites can be serious, even fatal. This is because of the site environment where loose beams, heavy equipment, and unstable work platforms are common.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over one-quarter of construction workers have been injured on the job. Likewise, we have listed some causes of common construction injuries and statistics that demonstrate just how dangerous these jobs can be.
Common Causes of Construction Injuries
Falls: Falling from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops cause almost 35% of construction injuries.
Machinery: Operating heavy equipment such as nail guns, bulldozers, cranes, and sledgehammers can all lead to injury.
Hit by a Vehicle: This can happen especially to crews working on roadsides. Workers can be hit by a distracted driver or even a co-worker who may be suffering from health-related issues or exhaustion.
Explosions and Burns: Gas leaks, chemicals, and exposed wiring can cause fires, burns, and explosions.
Injuries by the Numbers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. BLS) reports that 60% of construction injuries occur within an employee’s first year.
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports one in ten construction workers are injured every year. Furthermore, throughout their careers, construction employees have a 1 in 200 chance of dying from injuries sustained while on a job site.
A U.S. BLS injury report for 2019 listed 1,061 construction worker deaths that year.
OSHA reports show the top four causes of construction deaths are:
- Falls
- Getting struck by an object
- Electrocutions
- Caught inside or between objects
These “fatal four” combine to account for over 60% of all construction-related deaths.
The total annual cost of all construction injuries in the United States is over $11.5 billion. Moreover, fatal construction injuries are approximately $5 billion of that total.
Alabama construction workers are certainly not exempt from the dangers of construction jobs. The U.S. BLS reported 18 deaths from construction injuries in 2019, accounting for 20% of fatal work-related injuries for the state. Additionally, 1,400 cases of non-fatal construction injuries were reported in Alabama that year.
In short, dangers are all around a construction site. No matter how safe and prepared a worker is, accidents happen. As a result, safety measures such as harnesses, safety nets, guardrails, and helmets are necessary. These measures can save lives and allow men and women in construction to make it home safely to their families.
If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury on a construction site or have lost a loved one because of those injuries, seek the compensation you deserve. Please contact the experienced attorneys at Timberlake & League. We can help.